She would retire right now, if the donors she has didn’t want her to stay so badly. They know she wants to leave, though. They think she’s destined for the wilderness. She has very few days left. She’s 71, she wants to have a life, she’s done. It’s obligation, that’s all I’m saying.

However, the point could be moot after the 2012 elections if Democrats lose even more seats in the House, the GOP regains control of the Senate and Obama loses reelection. If any one, two or all three of these things occur, Democrats are going to have to go a different direction in leadership. It is hard to imagine that Pelosi would stay in Congress as just a back bencher.

Nadeam Elshami, a spokesman for the House minority leader, said it’s simply not true.

“This may be wishful thinking on the part of a right-wing blog, but it is totally untrue,” Elshami said. “When the day comes and Leader Pelosi’s work is done, she won’t be announcing it there.”

Alexandra Pelosi didn’t deny uttering the remark but declined to expand in an email to POLITICO.

One way or another, if Dems lose control of the Senate, Obama loses or the House goes further Republican … Democrats will look for new leadership in the House and Nancy Pelosi will retire.